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The University of North Carolina Wilmington announced today that
it has received its second $1 million gift from the Bernard Osher
Foundation to support programming for the Osher Lifelong Learning
Institute (OLLI). Endowed in 2007 by an initial $1 million Osher
grant, OLLI provides non-credit university courses, seminars and
other educational opportunities to adult learners.

"The Osher Foundation's generous support has allowed UNCW to create
programming that has attracted an incredibly vibrant community of
adult learners," said UNCW Chancellor Gary L. Miller. "Through the
Osher endowment, we have built a strong, diverse, thriving OLLI
program; this second $1 million gift ensures the future stability
of this community resource."

Based in San Francisco, the Osher Foundation supports lifelong
learning programs for mature adults at 117 colleges and
universities across the United States. In approving a second $1
million endowment to UNCW, the foundation recognized the ongoing
excellence of its OLLI program, said Mary G. F. Bitterman,
president of the Osher Foundation.

"The pioneering efforts and vision of individuals who founded the
program established a standard of excellence that has become a
hallmark of the Institute," Bitterman said. "We salute you on yet
another year of providing outstanding educational service to
seasoned adults in the Wilmington area."

Since its inception, UNCW's OLLI has grown to more than 1,000
members as well as many non-members who participate in individual
classes and programs. In Sept. 2011, the university reported, an
increase of 247 OLLI members over the same time the previous year.
UNCW opened a new building dedicated to housing OLLI staff and
programs in June 2010. In fiscal year 2010-11, 297 class meetings
were held in the building, with more than 10,000 people going in
and out of its doors.

In addition to its programming, OLLI's growth can be attributed to
its board members and community volunteers, who give generously of
their time, talent and financial resources.

"The reception of OLLI in this community has been truly
remarkable," said Tom Barth, Interim Dean of Public Service and
Continuing Studies, which oversees OLLI at UNCW. "The tireless
members of the OLLI board, as well as the faculty who teach in our
programs, keep OLLI robust and dynamic, as well as inclusive and
affordable."

In addition to the two OLLI endowment gifts, Bernard and Barbro
Osher established another $1 million endowed scholarship at UNCW
that provides financial assistance to non-traditional, re-entry
students. UNCW awarded honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees to the
Oshers in 2008 in honor of their exceptional service to the
university and their contributions in furthering educational
opportunities for lifelong learners.

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